Definition:

Yarrow is a hardy perennial herb with feathery leaves and small white or pink flowers. It’s native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and grows wild in the Pacific Northwest.

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

Common Name: Yarrow

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

Energetics:

• Taste: Bitter, aromatic
• Temperature: Cooling, drying

Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Astringent
• Diaphoretic (induces sweating)
• Vulnerary (promotes wound healing)
• Hemostatic (stops bleeding)
• Carminative

Body Systems:

• Circulatory System: Yarrow has the ability to regulate blood flow and stop excessive bleeding, both externally and internally. It promotes circulation and can reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
• Digestive System: It aids digestion by stimulating bile flow and helps to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas.
• Immune System: Yarrow is commonly used to reduce fevers by promoting sweating, which helps cool the body and expel toxins.
• Skin: Its astringent and antimicrobial properties make yarrow effective for treating cuts, wounds, and burns.

Primary Constituents:

• Volatile oils: Chamazulene, cineole
• Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin
• Alkaloids: Achilleine (responsible for hemostatic properties)
• Tannins: Provide astringent action

Safety Precautions:

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Not recommended during pregnancy due to its stimulating effect on the uterus.
• Allergies: Yarrow is part of the Asteraceae family and may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in this family (e.g., ragweed, daisies).

Traditional & Modern Uses:

• Wound Healing: Yarrow is traditionally applied to cuts and wounds to stop bleeding and promote faster healing. Its antimicrobial properties also help prevent infection.
• Fever Reduction: Yarrow is used as a diaphoretic to reduce fevers by encouraging sweating and cooling the body.
• Menstrual Health: Yarrow helps regulate heavy menstrual bleeding and relieve menstrual cramps due to its astringent and antispasmodic properties.
• Digestive Aid: It is used to stimulate digestion, particularly when there is indigestion, bloating, or sluggish digestion due to poor bile flow.

Preparations & Dosage:

• Infusion (Tea): 1-2 tsp of dried yarrow per cup of hot water, steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-3 cups daily for digestive support or fever reduction.
• Tincture: 2-4 ml, up to three times daily.
• Poultice: Fresh yarrow leaves can be applied directly to wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing.
• Compress: A yarrow infusion can be used as a compress to soothe bruises, sprains, or burns.